Picking the perfect wedding venue can be an overwhelming task. The pressure of making the right decision, the need to choose a location where you can take spectacular pictures for your album, the stress of making sure your guests will not only fit in the venue but enjoy themselves as well… all of this can make you feel anxious. Still, under all those nerves is the enthusiasm of planning and organising your wedding, which makes choosing the right venue an exciting moment as well!
Poetry in the Garden at Offcote Grange
Saturday the 25th June 2016 at Offcote Grange is our second ‘Poetry in the Garden’. Part of the long standing Ashbourne Festival. Start time 2.30pm. Ticket Prices £7.50. Large amount of of road car parking available.
Roy Marshall is the poet who will be leading this popular event, reading from his highly acclaimed collection , The Sun Brothers. Roy caught our eye as a previous winner of this Festivals adult poetry competition and has gone from strength to strength since then. Listening to his moving and evocative poems in the relaxing surroundings of this beautiful setting should make for a sublime afternoon. Some of the poems will be displayed on a trail around the venue.
This event also includes the prize giving for the Rotary’s sponsored Ashbourne Festival Young Poets competition.
This event is to be held in the stunning gardens of Offcote Grange, superb views of the gardens and surrounding countryside can be enjoyed during the break along with tea and cakes.
Why You Should Have Your Wedding in Derbyshire
Your wedding is one of the most important events of your life, so you want it to be memorable and fun. You also want your pictures to evoke positive memories and remind you of the beautiful moments you shared with your loved ones, so you need to make sure you choose the perfect location! Your photos will look amazing and you’ll be able to look back fondly on your big day.
Ashbourne Arts Festival
Why not come visit or stay in Derbyshire in June and enjoy the Ashbourne Arts Festival!
The festival includes a wide variety of activities and events for all the family, including music and poetry competitions and workshops, art exhibitions and galleries and the famous Streetfest, featuring a wide variety of outdoor performance, such as magic, comedy, acrobatics, dance, and artisan crafts and food.
Personally, I’ll be there for the pork sandwiches and anything else that smells nice.
Check out the website for what else is on at www.ashbournefestival.org.
Your Perfect Summer Wedding Stay
Summer is getting closer and that usually means a busy wedding industry. The warm, sunny days are always sure to brighten everyone’s spirits. England looks beautiful in the summer with the flowers, which will give you the perfect background for photos.
Choosing your wedding location can be a tiring process, but it’s worth finding the perfect place for your loved ones to gather to celebrate your special day. England has some of the world’s most stunning views, sure to give you memories that last a lifetime.
Review of Hillside Croft April 2016
I booked Hillside Croft for my birthday celebration with my husband, children and grandkids. The accommodation was to an extremely high standard throughout and the surroundings were stunning. Everybody remarked how clean and well equipped the rooms were and the hot tub kept the older children amused for hours! We would definitely recommend a stay here and hope to return soon!
Thanks again for a fabulous stay,
Barbara
Special Offers
Special Offers for the weeks, mid weeks or weekends from May to July in Hillside Croft or Billys Bothy sleeping 10 to 16. Now on offer with 10% off normal prices, mid weeks, and 5% off weekends or full weeks. Hot tubs at both, catering and pampering available by arrangement. Large luxury party and family cottages edging the magnificent Peak District between the pretty market town of Ashbourne and Carsington Water. Ring 0780 8899493 or email enquiries@offcotegrange.com for details.
Ring 0780 8899493 or 01335 344795 to book this great deal.
When to Visit Derbyshire: A Month by Month Activity Guide (Part 2)
We’ve already helped you plan your visit to Derbyshire in Part 1, and we haven’t forgotten that the second half of 2016 brings as many fun events for the whole family. If you like to plan your vacations in advance, here’s some of the things you can do and the places you can visit in Derbyshire from July to December.
July
With beautiful sunny days around, July brings you into the full swing of summer. With your children out of school, you can enjoy a family outing surrounded by nature and summer’s warm weather.
The Belper River Gardens is the perfect place for a row in the River Derwent, with fantastic nature views of the gardens, and of the Belper Mill.
August
August is a particularly beautiful time of the year to walk through Derbyshire, as the moorlands and the rocky outcrops are covered in heather.
If you love taking walks, Derbyshire and the Peak District have beautiful, unforgettable views. You may choose to do a guided tour with Sally Mosley or venture out on your own. Stay with us while you enjoy the fresh air, and make the most out of your walks.
September
With summer almost over but bringing warm days, many weddings still take place in the area. Derbyshire’s beautiful surroundings make it a preferred place to create long lasting memories surrounded by family and friends.
Before the Big Day, you will probably have a hen party planned. Offcote Grange has luxury cottages for hen parties, with pampering options like massages. We also offer accommodation for groups of guests arriving for your wedding.
October
Halloween is usually a big event every year. If you want to spend the day differently, Alton Towers is the perfect choice for thrill seekers. Scare yourself by going on the rollercoaster you’ve always wanted to try, or by going to their annual Scarefest where you can enjoy Halloween by going through mazes, looking out for hidden pumpkins and skeletons, or simply enjoy delicious themed food.
Our 5-star self-catering holiday cottages near the park are perfect for an overnight stay to make the most out of your trip. Stay at Billy’s Bothy or at Hillside Croft to recover from your daytime exploring.
November
November brings cooler days, but there are still plenty of sunny days to enjoy in Derbyshire. Any history lover will want to visit Perevil Castle, located above Castleton and bordered by Cavedale. This is a must see for the spectacular views of the surrounding area that you can see from the Castle.
December
The cold might be settling in, but December brings more than just the winter and thick sweaters. Christmas Markets are a yearly delight and highly anticipated. The Victorian Matlock Christmas Weekend and Markets are in the top four biggest and most popular Christmas Events in the East Midlands.
This free event is perfect for a family weekend and for a stay at a one of our large cottages in Derbyshire or the Peak District. The market is full of stalls with delicious food, and plenty of entertainment for the children, with rides and spectacular fireworks.
Give us a call on 01335 344 795 and book a luxury cottage for your trip, whether you’re travelling alone or with your loved ones. Our variety of accommodation will allow you to enjoy Derbyshire and its surrounding beauty at your own pace.
Royal Shrove Tide Football Ashbourne
Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday 9th and 10th February 2016 will see the amazing spectacle of Royal Shrovetide Football in Ashbourne, Derbyshire . Come and watch as the ball is tossed up at 1.00pm each day at Shaw Croft and follow its progress through the town, rivers, fields- the game lasts until either a goal is scored or time runs out around midnight. The goal posts located at Sturston Mill and Clifton are about 4 miles apart. Whether you are an Upper or Downer or spectator come along and enjoy the atmosphere. If you are looking for accommodation we can help with availability in our large luxury cottage Billys Bothy sleeping from 12 to 16. 0780 8899493. See special offers for this late deal.
Encourage Creativity with a Corporate Weekend Away
You may have noticed that the atmosphere in the office is getting a little stale and the working team don’t seem to be as engaged with day to day tasks as they used to be. If you’re the owner of a company and oversee your working team, then you might want to consider investing in a corporate trip.